After months missing, a life-size bronze statue of famed aviator Amelia Earhart has been recovered near Heart’s Content, Newfoundland, roughly 25 kilometres from where it was stolen in April.The Royal Canadian Mounted Police say they received a tip that led them to a wooded area where the statue was found — cut into pieces but with all parts accounted for. .The statue commemorates Earhart’s historic solo transatlantic flight from Harbour Grace to Northern Ireland on May 20, 1932, making her the first woman to fly alone across the Atlantic Ocean.Harbour Grace Mayor Don Coombs expressed his relief and joy on VOCM Open Line with Paddy Daly, calling the statue’s recovery “long-awaited.” “We are thrilled to welcome Amelia home to Harbour Grace, and appreciate the public’s assistance in finding this iconic statue.” Coombs said.“On behalf of our town, I want to extend our sincere thanks to the RCMP for helping to return her. This statue is an essential part of our history and we look forward to returning her to the Spirit of Harbour Grace Park, where she belongs.”.He confirmed the statue remains in RCMP custody as the theft investigation continues and said he isn’t able to disclose further details at this time.Coombs added that although the statue was found in pieces, “the cuts are clean.” Once released, town officials plan to work with sculptors Luben Boykov and Morgan McDonald on repairing and restoring the statue. The goal is to return it to the stone platform overlooking the airstrip where Earhart began her historic journey.The statue was originally stolen from Spirit of Harbour Grace Park in late Apr. Since then, the town offered a $25,000 reward and received support from the provincial government, which pledged $50,000 toward replacement or restoration.The RCMP are continuing their investigation, with no arrests announced as of yet.
